A Week Full of Joy #1

It has been a LONG few weeks--getting through parent-teacher conferences (some late nights), being sick, trying to get everything done, ending a trimester at school, realizing I'm not going to get everything done, and just being all around worn out!! I decided to call this post "A Week Full of Joy" and look back at things that have made me happy or "full of joy" this week. When I've had a long day or, in this case, a long lot of days, I like to think of the things that have brought a smile to my face over the past week. Then when I think of them, I can't help but smile again and feel full of joy :) 

Here are some things that have made me smile this week: 

Happy #1: This is Tuna.

Isn't he stinkin' cute? I LOVE following this adorable dog on Instagram! It brightens my day! This photo and many more (as long as Tuna's backstory) can be found on his Instagram page http://instagram.com/tunameltsmyheart

Happy #2: Swapping Paperbacks

I recently found out about a website called www.paperbackswap.com where you can list books that you have finished reading and you would like to get rid of. You list your books on this website, and people from across the country can request them. You get a credit for every book mailed out, and you use those credits to request books from other members. The only thing you have to pay for is shipping, but the book is essentially free! Everyone sends their books through media mail, so the most I've ever paid to mail a book is $2.60. So far, I've mailed out four books and have gotten three in the mail! Here are the books that I've received and am excited about reading:

And the best thing is that when you sign-up and list 10 books, you get 3 free credits to order 3 free books!

Happy #3: Reading

I have been reading A LOT lately. I have mostly been reading young adult fiction/historical fiction and some multicultural fiction. Here's what I've read--all AWESOME books!

And here's what I'm reading now:

Iqbal is the story of a boy named Iqbal who is sold into slavery at a carpet factory in Pakistan. When Iqbal arrives at the carpet factory, he helps the other child slaves realize that their master does not plan on ever releasing them into freedom once they work off  their family's debt. Iqbal helps these children to hope for a better future and helps them to find ways to realize their freedom. This story is based on a true child slave named Iqbal, but this story is a fictional account of his life. 

Happy #4: Zumba!!

I LOVE watching Lauren Fitz's YouTube channel! She choreographs new Zumba dances to awesome music and then uploads it to her channel. I follow her on Facebook and love watching her choreography! Here are two of my new favorite routines that she's posted:

Ke$ha--"Timber"  

Milia---"Hell Yeah" 

So fun!!

Happy #5: Artichokes

This sounds weird, but I LOVE artichokes. I just want to eat them all the time lately. I don't know if it's because I cut some things out of my diet that I really like because I'm unsure if they are migraine triggers or not, but they taste so good! Bjorn and I clean them up, cut them in half, boil them in salted water with lemons for 15-20 minutes, and eat them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Yum! Trader Joe's has the best deal on a medium-sized pack of four for $2.99. They are SO good!!

I for sure like the larger ones better, but this is all that Kroger had in stock on Tuesday!

Happy #6: My Students

Finally, my students can always bring a smile to my face. Here is some art that a few of them have done recently that has made me smile:

These things have made me so full of joy this week. It's the little things, right? What has been making you feel joyful? Have a great Friday!!

Love and happiness <3 Holly